Morocco’s Throne Day celebrations are traditionally a moment for national unity and vision-sharing, yet this year, King Mohamed VI orchestrated a profound modern shift by placing women’s empowerment and sports at the forefront.
The focal point of the anniversary was an official reception held at M’diq-Fnideq Square in Tetouan, where the King Mohamed VI was prominently joined by the nation’s beloved Atlas Lionesses. This powerful visual, amidst key institutional, military, religious, and diplomatic figures, undeniably signaled the monarch’s unwavering support for women and Morocco sports on the national stage.
This striking image of the Moroccan Royalty with their national football heroes quickly made global headlines, acknowledging the exceptional performance of the women’s team as runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations. It served as a clear, impactful demonstration of robust institutional backing for women’s athletic endeavors within Morocco and highlighted their burgeoning influence.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the event was the presence of Jorge Vilda, the current coach of the Moroccan team and former coach of Spain, whose past dismissal due to scandal provided a subtle international dimension to the gathering.
It is by no means a coincidence that the Moroccan monarch chose to illuminate women’s sports on such a significant national occasion. Throughout the reign of King Mohamed VI, substantial legal reforms have been enacted, including pivotal changes to the Family Code that have significantly strengthened women’s rights in critical areas like marriage and child custody.
While significant progress in women’s rights has been achieved under the current reign, structural challenges persist. A notable example remains the comparatively limited representation of women in senior government positions, underscoring ongoing areas for advancement within the kingdom’s political landscape.
The King was also the first Moroccan ruler to grant his wife, Lalla Salma, the title of First Lady, a role she held until their divorce. His reign has consistently amplified the visibility of women within his family, both domestically and internationally, marking a departure from predecessors, even as the royal succession remains exclusively male.
As per cherished Throne Day tradition, major institutional events like this are framed as moments for national introspection and the celebration of achievements. The King’s only son, Prince Moulay Hassan, accompanied him, symbolizing continuity and confirming his carefully structured preparation for a future as a statesman.
During the day’s celebrations, which encompass a ceremony of allegiance to honor the succession, the King’s daughter, Princess Lalla Khadija, at just 18, was observed from a balcony. This public appearance has been widely interpreted by the country’s press as the Moroccan Royalty‘s nuanced approach to preserving centuries-old heritage while simultaneously embracing modern values.
